Bryan top Saint for fourth time in career

SMITHTON utility Scott Bryan underlined his standing as one of the premier players in the NTFL after a runaway win in the Saints’ best and fairest count on Sunday.

SMITHTON utility Scott Bryan underlined his standing as one of the premier players in the NTFL after a runaway win in the Saints’ best and fairest count on Sunday.

STANDING TALL: Smithton’s Scott Bryan has won the club’s best and fairest award, polling twice as many votes as second place. Picture: Stuart Wilson.

The 29-year-old claimed the trophy for the fourth time in his career, polling 84 votes, twice as many as second-placed ruckman Tyrone Morrison, with coach Jarrod Watling and midfielder Tyson Armstrong tied for third.

Bryan, who played in 17 games this year and was named in the best players on 16 occasions, said while the team’s form was disappointing, he was satisfied with his year personally.

‘‘I was pretty happy with my season, although the last two or three games I struggled with a back injury then I did my calf,’’ he said.

‘‘We underachieved as a team, and while we’ve got a lot of young players, some of them need to take it upon themselves to do a pre-season and do some work to improve themselves.’’

While Bryan is yet to commit to next season due to off-field commitments, he may not have a choice following the retirement of experienced players Peter Brown and Josh Smith after Saturday’s loss to Wynyard.